How far is Lake Charles, LA from Richwood, LA?
The driving distance from Lake Charles, LA to Richwood, LA is about 187.7 miles (302 km), with a travel time of about 03h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168 miles (270.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 37m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 48m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The capital of Louisiana.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Charles and Richwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Charles and Richwood.
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1
Start on Enterprise Boulevard
146 m · 15 sec · Enterprise Boulevard
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2
Continue on Enterprise Boulevard
1.6 mi · 3 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto Belden Street
28 m · 2 sec · Belden Street
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4
Take the ramp slight left
1211 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left
12.7 mi · 14 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 165: Kinder, Alexandria
2422 ft · 59 sec
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7
Keep slight left
135 m · 12 sec
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8
Continue straight
78.1 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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9
Turn slight left onto Macarthur Drive
1 km · 1 min · Macarthur Drive
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10
Turn right
32 m · 7 sec
-
11
Turn left onto Macarthur Drive
4 mi · 6 min · Macarthur Drive
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12
Continue on Curtis-Coleman Memorial Bridge
3026 ft · 43 sec · Curtis-Coleman Memorial Bridge
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13
Continue on Monroe Highway
62.5 mi · 1 hr 14 min · Monroe Highway
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14
Continue straight
23 mi · 26 min
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15
Turn straight
3.2 mi · 4 min
-
16
Continue straight
1841 ft · 32 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Charles and Richwood.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 165
Continue straight
78.1 mi · 01h 37m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy leaving Lake Charles and Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Richwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Charles to Richwood?
The road trip is about 187.7 miles (302 km) and usually takes 03h 48m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Alexandria is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94 miles from Lake Charles and 93.7 miles from Richwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168 miles (270.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.07 one way or $50.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy around Lake Charles and Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Richwood.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Charles and Richwood. Straight-line distance: 168.01 mi (270.38 km).
#1 Lake Charles
The second most populous city in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
| Population | 78,433 |
| Coordinates | 30.2130900, -93.2044000 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Richwood
Town in Louisiana, United States
| Population | 3,375 |
| Coordinates | 32.4487600, -92.0848600 |
| Altitude | 22 |
| Country | United States |
End: Richwood (-92.08486, 32.44876)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 302 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $25.07 | $50.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $28.19 | $56.39 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $30.62 | $61.24 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $35.85 | $71.69 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Louisiana · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.